There is never a bad time of year to go through your closet, attic or pantry and whittle down your possessions. After all, when was the last time you wore that pinstriped blazer with shoulder pads? National Give Something Away Day on July 15 provides the perfect excuse to do some summer cleaning. And, when you’re not sure what to do with the pile of goods that needs a new home, consider donating to these on- and off-campus places to benefit students and the local community.
ON CAMPUS
Louie’s Cupboard
About the Cupboard: NAU’s on-campus food pantry provides the Lumberjack community with perishable and nonperishable food and resources for those who are food insecure. NAU staff, faculty and students can request biweekly food distributions or stop by the pantry anytime to pick up canned and boxed goods, meat, beans, pasta, grains, eggs, veggies, fruit and bread.
Current needs: Hygiene items, vegetarian foods, gluten-free food, soups, healthy cereals and spices.
Where to donate: Donations can be dropped off at the Lumberjack CARE Center (Sechrist Hall), Get Involved Lounge (University Union, room 104), Cline Library (1001 S. Knoles Dr.) or the Office of Inclusion (University Union Fieldhouse, room 134) during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
NAU’s Career Closet
About the Closet: To help students look their best for job interviews, class presentations and career fairs, NAU Career Development houses a closet full of business and professional clothing available to all Lumberjacks. Students can stop by the closet during business hours and help themselves to four free items a semester.
Current needs: Gently worn and new clothing items, including suits, button-up shirts, blazers, ties, vests, belts, seasonal clothing and more.
Where to donate: Donations can be dropped off to the University Union, room 105, during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
OFF CAMPUS
Flagstaff Shelter Services
About the Shelter: Flagstaff Shelter Services provides emergency shelter and services to all people in crisis, regardless of faith, sobriety or mental health. They are open all day, every day, and pride themselves on giving people the tools and resources needed to move out of homelessness for good.
Current needs: Cleaning supplies, including bleach, Lysol, sponges, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap and laundry detergent; bedding and bath items, including blankets, twin mattress covers, sheets, pillows and bath towels; hygiene, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, dental floss, razors, shampoo, soap, lotion and deodorant; and medicine, including cough drops, Ibuprofen, band-aids and antacids. Find a full list of needed items on the Flag Shelter website.
Where to donate: Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, located at 4185 E. Huntington Drive, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day of the week. To schedule an after-hours drop-off, email hello@flagshelter.org.
Flagstaff ReStore
About the ReStore: This nonprofit home improvement store and donation center sells a variety of household items and building materials. The proceeds are invested in the community through Habitat for Humanity programs that build affordable housing for low-income local residents.
Current needs: The ReStore is always looking for new and gently used furniture, large appliances, building tools and materials. It does not accept mattresses, water heaters, dishwashers and open paint cans.
Where to donate: Donations are accepted during business hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Tuesday through Saturday. You can even schedule a pickup for larger items.
Hope Cottage and Thrift for Goodness Sake
About the Cottage: A branch of the Sunshine Rescue Mission, the Christian-based Hope Cottage provides free emergency shelter and transitional housing, meals and clothing for women and children in need. Thrift for Goodness Sake, a non-profit thrift store, provides community members a place to shop, the proceeds from which fund the day-to-day operation of Hope Cottage and Sunshine Rescue Mission.
Current needs: Donations of clothing, food, backpacks, bicycles and more are given free of charge to those in need. Donations that cannot meet a current physical need are sold at Thrift for Goodness Sake.
Where to donate: To schedule a drop-off donation of women’s and children’s clothing and items, call Hope Cottage at (928) 774-9270. All other items can be dropped off at the Thrift for Goodness Sake store on 2 S. Beaver Street, Suite 100 during business hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Tuesday through Saturday. To schedule a pickup donation in the Flagstaff area, call (928) 214-1094.